EXTINCT Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

extinct

adjective

ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t

Definition of extinct

as in defunct

no longer existing a few overgrown ruins are all that remain of that once mighty but now extinct civilization

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of extinct However, the vision to revive animals like the woolly mammoth goes far beyond creating a real-life Jurassic Park with previously extinct creatures. — Colleen McKown, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026 Millet’s 2022 novel Dinosaurs also reflects her fascination with long extinct creatures. — Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026 Now, scientists have identified the extinct crocodile species that lived millions of years before the Egyptians built the structures. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026 This is no castle hotel, however; instead, it's set at the base of Edinburgh's extinct volcano, Arthur's Seat. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extinct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinct

Adjective

In a true turn of events that would seem almost incredulous in a Hollywood script, the boss of a now defunct production company that specialized in true crime is wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
The incidents cited in the report include the payment processor WePay, which is now defunct and was acquired by JPMorgan Chase in 2017.

— Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of defunct

Adjective

An America lost to time, remembered in photos The mall’s future is now determined — and its past reveals a version of America perhaps long gone.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026
Suddenly, photos, videos, or important documents are just… gone.

— StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026

Definition of gone

Adjective

Troopers found that the vehicle had an expired Ohio registration, the warrant affidavit said.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026
This line of defense didn’t persuade Sweeney, who reasoned that adding athletes with expired eligibility would mean more, not less, market competition.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of expired

Adjective

In the Wall Street Journal, James Lloyd Dusenbury recently argued that our political vocabulary, including communism and capitalism, is obsolete.

— Jason Thurlkill, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
While most Apple products stop receiving repairs or replacement parts after being added to the obsolete list, MacBooks may still receive battery replacements for up to 10 years after Apple stops selling them — if batteries are still available.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of obsolete

Browse Nearby Words

externships

extinct

extinction

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“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extinct. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of extinct

adjective

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